Marlon: I'm Happy Here

Marlon Harewood insists that a story claiming he wants to return to Nottingham Forest could not be further from the truth.

On Tuesday there was a newspaper article that said Marlon wanted to return to his former club but he is perplexed and hurt by the claims.

"I just came back from my holiday and I had loads of messages on my phone with people asking me questions about what is going to be happening with me and rumours that I don't like it at West Ham," he says.

"I just want to say it is not true; I haven't got a clue where it came from, because I love it at West Ham.

"I love all the staff and everyone at West Ham and I hate stories like that being written about me, being the person I am.

"I don't know anything about it, it makes me look bad, and it suggests there is something wrong with the people at West Ham - which is not the case.

"It is fantastic at West Ham, like a big family, and that can't be ruined; I am very disappointed with the story because it is so not true.

"I am looking to go up automatically with West Ham next year - and I am not thinking about leaving at all."

Marlon says he settled in from his first day at the club and adds:

"The first day I arrived I thought 'God, this is fantastic' and the lads made me fit in straight away - they are awesome."

The story claimed that Marlon, a popular figure in the dressing room, was unhappy performing on the wing, but he counters:

"I have never complained about playing on the right - and all the West Ham players are such good players that I am pleased to be in the team full stop.

"I would play in defence if it meant getting a game."

He admits the pain of the play-off final at Cardiff remains and he reveals:

"It is still with me and will hurt me for the rest of my life - but it is finished now and we just have to get on with it.

"All I am thinking about is getting promotion with West Ham, and I hope we keep the players we have.

"They will be ranting and raving that we didn't go up because they are quality, but now we have got the chance to do it next year - we know what we have to do.

"Pre-season will take care of everyone coming together and we just have to look forward now."

Although he has taken a break abroad, he has carried on with fitness work throughout the summer and adds:

"I have been training while I have been away and I am ready - I can't wait for the season to start."

He has, though, taken time off to watch England in Euro and 2004 concludes:

"I have been watching all the England games, and I think it is the best I have seen them play."